Chris Limback named coach of the year, four Wildcats receive All State honors

Alpena, Mich — Hockey season has officially ended and the season awards have been announced. Five Wildcats have earned recognition for their efforts this season.

Head coach Chris Limback has been named the division 3 coach of the year. Limback led the Wildcats to a 23-5-1 record in the 2018-19 season. Alpena won its first Big North Conference Title since 2003 and first Regional Title since 2007 under his leadership.

Kyle VanDusen received First Team All State honors as a forward. VanDusen tallied 28 regular season goals and 14 assists as Alpena’s captain. His best goal of the season came against division 3 state champion Detroit Country Day when he tied the game with .7 seconds remaining. VanDusen finishes his career having played in 72 games and scored 76 goals while adding 51 assists.

Owen Limback was also awarded First Team All State honors as a defenseman. Limback’s best play occurred during Alpena’s playoff run, where he scored against Gaylord and Cheboygan during regional play and stopped multiple breakaways by opposing teams. Limback played in 76 games for Alpena and scored 16 goals. He also added 46 assists.

Cooper Black earned First Team All State honors as a goalie. Black set Alpena’s single season shutout record with 8 during the 2018-19 season. He would have had more had he not been pulled during the third period of the season’s final games. Black only allowed 19 goals this season while stopping 509 shots for a state high .964 save percentage. Black played in 43 career games for Alpena and finishes with a .922 career save percentage.

Colby Plowman received an All State Honorable Mention. Plowman was tied with VanDusen as Alpena’s points leader with 42 during the regular season. He was also second on the team with 19 goals before the playoffs. Plowman was instrumental on power plays and penalty kills this season. His best moment of the season was during regional play when he out-hustled 5 Sault Ste. Marie players on a penalty kill and scored a short handed goal. Plowman played in 84 games for the Wildcats and totaled 52 career goals with 73 career assists.

The full list of award winners can be viewed here.